MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address mounting infrastructure and traffic related problems in Pune’s Chakan industrial belt, following concerns raised by industries over deteriorating roads, congestion and inadequate civic facilities.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the infrastructure shortcomings in the industrial area and assured that corrective measures would be taken. The move came after several companies expressed concerns over difficult operating conditions and indicated that they could relocate their facilities.
Industries Minister Uday Samant visited the Chakan area on Sunday and held discussions with senior government officials and representatives of industrial associations. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in the meeting through video-conferencing.
The state government faced criticism after owners of at least 20 companies reportedly indicated that they were considering shifting their factories to Khandala in Pune district because of persistent traffic congestion and poor infrastructure in the Chakan Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area.
Shinde directed officials to give priority to pothole repairs to improve traffic movement. Since conventional roadwork can be difficult during the monsoon, he suggested the use of technologies including pre-cast systems and geo-polymer techno-patch for urgent repairs.
The Deputy Chief Minister also directed the administration to implement short-, medium- and long-term measures to address congestion affecting industrial units.
Under the proposed infrastructure plan, MIDC will provide land for a solid waste management facility, police station, fire station and electrical substation. The development plan for Chakan city is also expected to receive approval at the earliest.
Shinde directed various government departments to coordinate their efforts under the leadership of the Pune district collector and implement an action plan without delay. The collector will serve as the nodal officer for addressing issues affecting industries and residents in the Chakan-Talegaon region.
The government has also warned that action should be taken against contractors who deliberately delay projects or fail to complete assigned works within stipulated deadlines.
Electricity-related concerns are another priority. Mahatransco has planned to install a new transformer by August 31, while MIDC will make land available for an additional electrical substation.
The state government expects major transport projects to strengthen connectivity in the region. These include the proposed Dedicated Freight Corridor linking Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ranjangaon and Chakan MIDC, as well as a new highway connecting Uran, Karjat, Rajgurunagar, Shirur and Pune.
Samant said immediate work had begun on pothole repairs, strengthening road shoulders, garbage removal and improving parking management throughout the industrial belt.
He said a high-level committee headed by the district collector had been formed to ensure coordination between different departments and speed up implementation.
Samant also said portions of the previously sanctioned 27-km concrete road project had already been completed. An additional 17 to 18 km of road works would be approved on priority based on requirements identified by industrial associations and residents.
According to a Government Resolution issued on August 14, the committee will specifically address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding industrial zone. It will also establish a mechanism for resolving grievances raised by industries within defined timelines.
The government resolution noted that Chakan and other parts of Pune district are witnessing rapid expansion, with new industries and Global Capability Centres setting up operations. Several applications involving approvals and permissions from different government departments are also pending.
The government has prescribed a 10-month timeframe from the date of the resolution for completing planning, approvals, inter-departmental coordination and implementation of the proposed measures.
The infrastructure concerns have also triggered political criticism. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had urged the state government to take immediate measures to retain industries and safeguard employment.
Pawar described the reported relocation plans of 20 companies employing more than 2,000 people as a serious concern. He called for measures to prevent industries from leaving the state and suggested a dedicated single-window mechanism to resolve their problems promptly.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also criticised the situation after visiting the area, claiming that the potential relocation of companies could affect around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Opposition has further raised concerns over the broader industrial environment in Maharashtra, citing government data presented in Parliament that showed 36,211 private companies in the state had closed during the past five years.
With Chakan emerging as a major industrial hub, the state government’s latest intervention is aimed at improving connectivity, upgrading essential infrastructure and ensuring that operational difficulties do not undermine industrial activity and employment in the region.